went idle

USAGE SUMMARY

'went idle' is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase 'went idle' typically indicates that something has become inactive, stopped functioning, or is no longer being utilized. For example, "The factory went idle when the orders dropped off during the recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

However, when the code was incorporated to turn the LCD screen off when the system was idle, the system would freeze every time it went idle.

Cornell University

One by one, across 40 blocks, the rest of the 428 courts went idle, waiting to be dismantled in time for Monday's rush hour.

The New York Times - Sports

Most of those plants — with more than enough capacity to replace the nation's entire nuclear power fleet — went idle as gas prices soared, hitting $15 per thousand cubic feet after Hurricane Katrina.

Independent

The study accounted for the "always-on" broadband connections by monitoring only active usage: If a PC went idle for 30 minutes, it was considered offline and those last 30 minutes were counted as just one minute.

Forbes

However, flooding and fires caused both mines to close by 1896; the Glass brothers lost control of the property, and the mines went idle.

Wikipedia

A preliminary investigation into the February 4 crash of TransAsia flight GE235 already had indicated that the pilot shut off the remaining engine after one of them went idle.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Japan let all of its reactors go idle, and then slowly restarted a few.

The Economist

But here in the small Chinese town of Chengkouzhen, officials last year let the factory go idle.

The New York Times

He'd discover a workout program, do it for three months, go idle for about six, find something new.

The New York Times

Farmers will have to let even more land go idle this year, says Richard Howitt, a professor emeritus of agricultural and resource economics at UC Davis.

The Economist

But the hot-rock plant won't go idle every time the wind dies down, and should produce about three times more energy per year.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or device entering a low-power state, use "went idle" to clearly indicate a transition to inactivity without implying a complete shutdown.

Common error

Avoid using "went idle" when describing something that is still actively running or being used, even if at a reduced capacity. "Went idle" indicates a complete cessation of activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went idle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of inactivity or cessation of operation. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for describing when something stops working. Examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various contexts like computer systems and industrial plants.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "went idle" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered verb phrase signifying a transition to inactivity. As Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples indicates, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts to describe devices, systems, or processes that have ceased operation. Although "went idle" is not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates a state of inactivity and can be replaced with alternatives like "became inactive" or "stopped functioning" depending on the specific context. Keep in mind that "went idle" suggests a complete cessation of activity, distinguishing it from terms like "went to sleep" which imply a reversible low-power state. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became inactive

Emphasizes the change of state to being not active; interchangeable in many contexts.

stopped functioning

Focuses on the cessation of operational capability; slightly more technical in tone.

ceased operation

A more formal way of saying something stopped working; suitable for official reports.

became dormant

Suggests a temporary state of inactivity, implying a potential for future activation.

powered down

Specifically refers to electrical devices or systems being switched off.

shut down

Implies a controlled or deliberate cessation of activity.

fell into disuse

Indicates a gradual decline in usage and eventual abandonment.

was decommissioned

Formal term indicating that something is officially taken out of service.

became inoperative

A formal way to express that something is not working or able to be used.

relinquished activity

More formal way to say stopped doing something, often applies to scheduled tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "went idle" in a sentence?

You can use "went idle" to describe a machine, system, or process that has stopped working or become inactive. For example, "The computer "went idle" after 30 minutes of inactivity."

What are some alternatives to saying "went idle"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "became inactive", "stopped functioning", or "ceased operation" instead of "went idle".

Is it correct to say "gone idle" instead of "went idle"?

While "gone idle" isn't inherently incorrect, ""went idle"" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing. "Gone idle" might sound slightly less natural to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "went idle" and "went to sleep" when describing a computer?

"Went idle" generally implies a cessation of tasks, whereas "went to sleep" refers specifically to a low-power state in computers, often reversible by a simple action. A device that "went to sleep" is still somewhat active, unlike one that "went idle".